Departures Travel

Celebrating 40 Years of Exceptional Travel Experiences 

Departures Travel is proud to be Victoria, British Columbia’s longest-standing independent travel agency, celebrating 40 years of curating unforgettable journeys for discerning travellers. Established in 1985, we’ve grown from our flagship boutique office in Oak Bay to include a second location in Sidney, BC, and a team of expert advisors in Alberta. 

The Sidney team is led by Cathy Larsen, a seasoned travel expert and passionate globetrotter.  Departures Travel has built a reputation for exceptional service, expert travel planning, and tailor-made itineraries. With a team of skilled travel professionals, we provide the highest level of expertise, service, and attention to detail—ensuring every journey is stress-free, seamless, and unforgettable. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge 

At Departures Travel, we don’t just book trips—we create exceptional experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury vacation, cultural immersion, bucket-list adventure, or stress-free all-inclusive getaway, our expert travel advisors handle every detail. From customized itineraries to exclusive access to premium experiences, we ensure a smooth and worry-free travel experience. 

As an independent travel agency, we prioritize your needs, leveraging the latest travel technology and global partnerships to offer VIP perks, competitive rates, and tailor-made travel experiences. 

Travelling with Purpose 

We believe that travel has the power to connect people, enrich lives, and create lasting memories. Done sustainably, travel can make the world a better place. That’s why we help our clients explore responsibly—as travellers, not just tourists—by supporting local communities and ethical tourism initiatives. 

The Departures Travel Difference 

As members of the Ensemble Travel Group, we have insider access to a worldwide network of luxury hotels, exclusive tours, top-rated cruise lines, and private villa rentals. This ensures our clients receive exceptional value, added amenities, and access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Whether you're looking for bespoke luxury travel, escorted group tours, premium cruise vacations, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, Departures Travel is here to bring your vision to life—just as we’ve been doing for 40 years. 

Cathy has the privilege of sitting on committees of ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors), Board of Directors for Sidney BIA and past board member of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.